Are fare increases justified?

Weekly poll: Are scheduled transport fare increases of up to 8 per cent
justifiable?

Commuter fares are to increase across the board next year, with the cost of travel on Tubes, buses and trains soaring by up to eight per cent on some services.

Announcing the increase, Mayor Boris Johnson conceded that he knew times were hard for Londoners but had taken this into account: “I understand that any increase in tough times is difficult. This is a package that has sought to balance the needs of today's passengers whilst ensuring we continue apace with plans to overhaul London's transport system in the face of unprecedented demand.” In response to the increases TfL has pointed out that bus fares will “only rise by 10p” to £1.40 but this means a bus journey will have increased in price by 55 per cent since Mayor Johnson came to power. When he became mayor in 2008 a single bus journey cost 90p when using an Oyster card. Tube journeys will increase in cost by between 10p and 30p, meaning that when using an Oyster card a peak-time journey from Zone 1-2 will cost £2.70, up from £2.50; a peak-time journey from Zone 1-6 will cost £4.80, up from £4.50. Season-ticket holders are also set to suffer, with those on the edge of the city facing the most significant rises when the new tariffs are introduced on January 2, 2012. An annual Zone 1-6 travel card will increase in price by £160 in 2012, and cost £2,176.

Mayor Johnson and TfL claim the increases are essential to improve services and pay for vital upgrade and maintenance work: “Income from fares is vital to ensure the on-going health of London's transport network, keeping services running for the billions of passengers who rely on them day in, day out.” Not all passengers will be subject to the increases, however, All free and concessionary travel has been protected. This means that some 40 per cent of bus passengers will continue to travel free or at a substantial concessionary rate.

The fare increases were announced at the same time it was revealed Tube drivers would receive a cash bonus of up to £1,200 for working during the Olympic Games. That payout includes a flat-rate bonus of £500 as well as extra incentives, and should ensure strikes won’t take place during the Olympics. Each of the Tube networks 2,300 drivers is in line for the payment. The basic salary for a Tube driver currently stands at £42,750.

What do you think? Are the increases justified and can you afford them? Will you need to change your commute or travel plans in the New Year? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll, commenting below, emailing us at London@telegraph.co.uk or tweeting @TelegraphLondon